Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific pop/ballads and love songs, June 4, 2008
Firstly, I should just note that this compilation varies slightly from the one I have, in song order and song selection. My compilation, which I bought in Australia, does not have "Easy to love" [I think it's called on this compilation] but does have "Giving it all away". This compilation also has an extra track. Did have a peek at other compilations here and this [either version] seems to be much better. My memory is not the best, but the compilation at this site which has "20" in the title has a song called "Till you come back to me". That MIGHT be an essential track which is missing from this compilation...but I'm not sure if it's the cool song I have in mind. So, perhaps the compilation with 20 songs in it is the definitive one to get.
Anyway, Leo Sayer is a good singer who specialised in ballads/love songs and easy listening pop songs. Occasionally he gets a little more rock and some of his song are a bit harder to characterise, being a little more quirky.
Lyrically, he delves into the personal or autobiographical. Sayer isn't as prevalent on Australian radio [FM Radio] as he used to be. Probably "Thunder in my heart" is the only one getting airplay nowadays, following on the heels of a remix of that song a year or two ago. The original version is still the best and it's a pity the songs I consider to be Leo's best don't seem to get played anymore.
My picks as the standout tracks on this compilation:
You make me feel like dancing-very good pop song with Sayer's distinctive falsetto. Has a funky bass and a cool guitar intro. Features the piano. A month or so back The Wiggles' tv show here in Australia had the Wiggles perform this song with Leo Sayer.
How much love-a little more rock. Features the piano, violin and viola, perhaps.
More than I can say-I remember, having watched "Countdown" as a kid, that this song was number one for a few weeks in Australia, I think. Probably my second favourite Sayer song. A love ballad. Features a very nice accoustic guitar and a cool electric guitar lick.
Orchard Road-My favourite Leo Sayer song. Reading the liner notes, this is one of those autobiographical/personal songs I was mentioning before. It's the mother of all ballads. Very nice organ sound and Sayer beautifully mixes up his vocal inflections and melodies. Structured as a telephone call you only hear one side of. Great song.
The best of the rest would be:
When I need you-another nice, easy listening ballad with delicate instrument playing.
Thunder in my heart-a little more rock. Been hearing this lately, especially on "classic pop/rock" stations on the FM dial. Features violins.
I can't stop loving you (though I try)-this was a little bit of an Easter egg song for me. Don't think I'd heard it before but I found it quite nice. Sounds a little country, with piano and a pair of accoustic guitars.
Heart (stop beating in time)-has a funky bass and features the piano.
Some notes of other songs I made were:
One man band-Sayer's vocals reminded me of Elton John's in this song.
Long tall glasses-here Sayer sounds a little bit like Bob Dylan. Song is a little country, again, with piano, banjo and a twangy guitar.
Moonlighting-another personal song, with a narrative. Features what sounds like a Spanish guitar and a xylophone type instrument.
Overall, this is a terrific compilation. Some of the compilations under "Leo Sayer" don't have Orchard Road on it, which is a monumental omission, in my view. This cd, or perhaps the "20" one look the definitive cds to get if you like Leo Sayer.
N.B. I've just remembered that Leo Sayer does a really good cover of "Love hurts". It's a pity that it's not on this compilation.
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great variety of fun dancing and sweet love songs!!, July 21, 1998
By A Customer
Leo Sayer has an incredible way of capturing the emotions and tug at your heart. By far, his song "When I Need You" is number one in my collection -- a must for anyone who knows the ups and downs of long distance, magical relationships.The CD was given to me by that special someone who couldn't express how he felt. Letting Leo Sayer was beautiful! His voice reflects the pain of separation, the peace of being with someone you love and the hope for the future. THANKS Leo for giving me a life line.
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